Attachable prefabricated hatch

ABSTRACT

A prefabricated hatch construction for attachment over an opening in a wall or the like, comprising a rectangular reinforced plastic frame and a reinforced plastic cover hinged thereto. The frame is of channel-like cross section, including a depending inner skirt to extend through the wall opening and an outwardly extending peripheral flange to overlie and be secured to those portions of the wall which border the opening thereof. The flange has a reversely curved section providing for wind and rain deflection, and also constituting a springy-bearing for a sealing gasket which is engageable with the wall. The cover is crowned and has a depending peripheral flange which wedgingly engages the channel section of the frame to effect a tight seal. Adjustable telescopic struts provide for holding the cover in various open positions on the frame, and cooperable fastener devices lock the cover in its closed position.

United States Patent Beckerer 1 May 30, 1972 54 ATTACHABLE PREFABRICATED3,557,497 1/1971 Schafer et a1 ..52/1

A H H TC FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATIONS F B k 1 4 F Dr., [72] Inventgglg g 32:1 3 690,912 7/1964 Canada ..52/72 326,188 2/1903 France..52/19 [22] Filed: Nov. 10, 1969 6,414,776 6/1966 Netherlands ..52/72[21] Appl.No.: 875,206 Primary Examiner-Frank L. Abbott AssistantExaminer-Leslie A. Braun [52] US. Cl ..52/ 19, 52/97, 52/200,Attorney-H. Gibner Lehmann 52/204 [51] Int. Cl. ..E02d 29/12, E04b 7/18,E04f 19/08 [57] ABSTRACT [58] Fleld of Search ..52/200, 202, 204, 19,97, 66,

52/72 20 1 I73; I 14/20] 292l256-752565 262, A prefahncated hatchconstruction for attachment over an 276 338, 49/386 394 openmg in a wallor the like, comprising a rectangular remf dlticf da 'f dlastic vrhindorce p as rame an rem orce p co e ge 56] References Cited thereto. Theframe is of channel-like cross section, including a depending innerskirt to extend through the wall opening and UNITED STATES PATENTS anoutwardly extending peripheral flange to overlie and be secured to thoseportions of the wall which border the opening R17,939 1/1931 Sweeley etal. ..52/19 h f The fla h a reversely curved section providing 470,8963/ 1892 Patron-n for wind and rain deflection, and also constituting aspringy- 6O6O57 6/1898 HaXeS 1 14/201 bearing for a sealing gasket whichis engageable with the wall. 1,519,427 12/1924 w The cover is crownedand has a depending peripheral flange 1,601,524 9/ 1926 Gibbons 292/262which wedgingly engages the channel section f the frame to 2,050,4258/1936 Dean ..52/ 19 ff a tight Seal Adjustable telescopic Strutsprovide f 2,565,706 8/1951 Thompson 52/19 holding the cover in variousopen positions on the frame, and 2,663,268 l2/1953 Ahnell 52/19cooperable fastener devices lock the cover in its closed posi- 3,447,1676/1969 Harding ..52/204 tion 3,090,613 5/1963 Bechtold ..52/2043,424,339 1/1969 Venable ..'.292/256.75 3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 6618 \\\\1 A- A 1 4 0 i ,1 18

Patented May 30, 1972 3,665,661

2 Sheets-Sheet l I NVENTOR Frank 3. Bee Kevew 1 flGENT Patented May 30,1972 3,665,661

2 SheetsSheet 2 INVENTOR.

Frank $.Beckerer 1 A'I'IACHABLE PREFABRICATED HATCH BACKGROUND Thisinvention relates to hatch structures, particularly marine hatches,which are attachable to walls, panels and the like to constituteweathertight openable closures for openings in said walls.

I-Ieretofore, weatherproof hatch structures for the above purpose wereconstituted of multi-part frames and cooperable multi-part hingedcovers, representing an appreciable cost of parts and assemblies. Whereefforts were made to simplify the hatch structures and reduce the costs,as by resorting to cheaper materials, there resulted a loss ofperformance in that strength was sacrificed, or ease of operation orweatherproof or sealing qualities, to the end that the hatch failed inthe important objective of a reliably weathertight closure thatsuccessfully withstood corrosive environments and various physicalstresses such as bearing the weight of a heavy person standing on it.

SUMMARY The above drawbacks and disadvantages of prior hatch structuresare obviated by the present invention, which has for one object theprovision of an improved hatch of exceptionally low cost, which can beeasily and quickly installed while at the same time being physicallysturdy, resistant to weathering and corrosion, and characterized bytight sealing or excellent weatherproof qualities whereby there isessentially no leakage when properly installed. This is accomplished bythe provision of a prefabricated assemblage of reinforced plastic,channel-section frame and hinged reinforced plastic cover of crowned andflanged configuration. A peripheral depending flange and adjoiningmarginal portions of the cover wedgingly fit over portions of thechannel section of the frame to provide both a good sealing fit andstructural reinforcement. The frame has a beaded exterior flange adaptedfor attachment to the panelling or deck, the bead formation providing aspecial sealing edge for engagement with an interposed gasket. Togetherwith a gasket between the frame and marginal portions of the cover, theabove structures cooperate to effect a sturdy and leakproof hatch ofespecially low cost, which may be easily and quickly installed.

Other features and objects of the invention reside in the simplicity ofthe reinforced plastic components and associated fittings, the provisionfor deflecting driving rain and wind past the mating edges, the ease ofoperation, and the simple yet positive adjustment and lock devices.

Still other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment of theinvention:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the improved prefabricated, reinforcedplastic hatch construction as provided by the invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse section taken on the line 22 of FIG. 1 andshowing the hatch with the cover closed.

FIG. 3 is a view like that of FIG. 2 but showing the cover raised oropen.

FIG. 4 is a transverse section, taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 55 of FIG. 1,illustrating in enlarged detail the configurations of the frame andcover members where they effect the seals.

FIG. 6 is a detail partly in section and partly in elevation,illustrating one of the adjustable telescopic struts as provided in thehatch.

Considering first FIGS. 1-5, the improved hatch is shown as mounted on adeck, wall or other panel-like structure 10 which has a large opening 12to admit light and air, or sometimes personnel. The deck or panelling 10may be of the usual wooden or fiberglass construction, adapted toaccommodate either wood screws, sheet metal screws or fastening bolts.

The hatch construction as shown comprises a continuous reinforcedplastic frame 14 here illustrated as being rectangular, said framehaving a channel-like section comprising spaced-apart inner and outerwalls 16, 18 which are joined by a top web or connector portion 20. Theframe includes an outwardly extended flange designated generally by thenumeral 22, said flange being adapted to overlie portions 24 of the deckor panel-like structure 10 where such portions border the opening 12.The frame 14 also includes a continuous depending skirt 26 disposedalong its inner sides and adapted to extend into the opening 12 of thedeck, said skirt being shown as integral with the inner wall 16 of thechannel section.

Hingedly mounted on the frame 14 is a crowned cover 28 of reinforcedplastic, said cover being adapted to span the area of the frame and atits peripheral portions to overlie the channel section comprising theportions 16, 18 and 20. The frame 14 and cover 28 of reinforced plasticmay have any suitable formulation well known in the industry, includingfiberglass or other reinforcement.

The cover member 28 has a raised central portion formed by triangular orroughly triangular panel areas 30, 32, 34 and 36 which provide asomewhat flattened pyramidal shape. The cover 28 includes a marginaldepending flange 38 arranged to extend around the exterior of thechannel section of the frame 14 and to wedgingly engage the latter so asto provide a weathertight and leakproof seal, as clearly seen in FIG. 5.To supplement such seal, a flat gasket 40 is provided at the undersideof the marginal portion of the cover 28, in engagement with the webportion 20 of the web 14.

The cover 28 is pivotally mounted on the frame 14 by means of hinges 42secured to the cover flange 38 and also to the frame flange 22. Also, inaccordance with the invention, adjustable telescopic struts designatedgenerally by the numeral 44 are secured to opposite portions of thedepending skirt 26 of the frame 14 and to spaced-apart portions of thecover 28 to support the latter in different raised positions on theframe. One such raised position is illustrated in FIG. 3.

As provided by the invention, the cover 28 may be locked in its closedposition by means of a first fastener device 46 mounted on the undersideof the cover at the center of one marginal portion thereof, and by asecond fastener device 48 which is mounted on the inside of the frame 14and is cooperable with the first fastener device. As shown herein, thefastener device 46 on the cover comprises a pivotally mounted screw 50having a hand nut or knurled nut 52, said screw being receivable in abifurcated fitting which comprises the second fastener device and whichis indicated by the numeral 48. The fitting 48 has a pair of cars 54adapted to extend on opposite sides of the screw 50 and to be engaged bythe locking nut 52, all as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2,3 and 6, each telescopic strut 44 comprises anouter tubular member 56 which telescopically receives an inner round barmember 58, the latter being pivotally carried by a bifurcated fitting 60secured to the underside of the cover 28. The bar member 58 passesthrough an eye-bolt 62 which is carried by a head fitting 64 secured tothe end of the outer tubular member 56. A wing nut 66 on the eyebolt 62is adapted to tighten the bolt whereby the bar 58 can be clamped invarious adjusted positions in the fitting 64. The tubular member 56 ofthe strut is secured in a pivot fitting 68 which is connected by meansof a rivet 70 to a mounting 72 in turn secured to the depending skirt 26of the frame 14.

It will be understood that when the wing nut 66 is loose, the strut barmember 58 may be shifted in the tubular member 56 to permit the raisingand lowering of the cover 28. Tightening of the wing nut 66 will lockthe strut 44 in adjusted position, thereby securing the cover 28 eitherclosed or else in various open positions.

In accordance with this invention, the flange 22 of the frame 14 has aspecial configuration by which a more effective seal can be establishedbetween the frame and the deck 10 and at the same time a deflectingmeans is had to divert driving wind and rain upward past the wedgedportions 18, 38 of the frame and cover, and over the top of the latter.Referring to FIG. 5, the flange 22 has reverse bends providing anupwardly extending bead portion 74 and a downwardly extending beadportion 76. Disposed under the bead portion 76 is a flat gasket 78adapted for engagement with said bead portion and also with the deck 24.The gasket 78 is sufficiently thick and yieldable so that it can becompressed by the bead 76 when the flange 22 is screwed or bolted to thedeck or panel 24, as shown. The plastic formulation of the frame 14 andcover 28 provides for resilience and flexibility of these parts, wherebya slight amount of yielding of the bead sections 74, 76 can take placeas the flange 22 is bolted down and against the gasket 78. The beadportion 74 which extends upward is not quite as high as the channelsection of the frame 14 but is higher than a bottom edge of the coverflange 38. The bead portion 74 constitutes a shield which acts to divertdriving wind and rain (indicated by the arrows 80) upward and past thewedgingly engaged portions 18, 38 of the frame and cover, said wind andrain being directed over the top of the cover 28 as indicated.Accordingly, there is had an improved seal and weathertight joint byvirtue of the deflecting means comprising the beads 74 and 76.

When the cover 28 is pulled down tightly and locked in the closedposition, the flange 38 thereof will wedge tightly above the outside ofthe wall 18 of the channel section of the frame 14, said parts yieldingslightly as required. The locking of the cover 28 in the closed positionas illustrated in FIG. 2 will effect a sealing engagement between theframe 14 and the gasket 40 so that there is double insurance againstleakage.

I have found that with a prefabricated hatch construction of reinforcedplastic as above illustrated and described, great strength is had,sufficient to withstand the weight of a 300 lb. person or more, standingon the cover 28. The reinforced plastic is resistant to corrosion and tothe adverse effects of weather, and normally will not warp nor loose itsstrength or structural characteristics. The frame and cover parts may bequickly economically molded or formed in dies, and assembled to thefittings with a minimum of labor and expense. Accordingly, the hatch canbe produced at a desirable low cost, while at the same time representinga sturdy and effective accessory for marine or other use.

Variations and modifications are possible without departing from thespirit of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A hatch for attachment to a panel-like structure in which there is anopening, comprising in combination:

a. a continuous frame having a channel section, and having an outwardlyextended horizontal flange adapted to overlie marginal portions of thepanel-like structure which border the opening thereof,

b. said frame including a continuous depending skirt disposed along itsinner sides and adapted to extend into the opening of said structure,

0. a crowned cover spanning the area of the frame,

d. said cover including a marginal depending flange extending around theexterior of the channel section of the frame,

e. hinge means securing said flange to the outwardlyextended flange ofthe frame,

f. a pair of adjustable telescopic two-part struts secured to oppositeportions of the depending skirt of the frame and to spaced-apartportions of the cover to support the latter in different raisedpositions on the frame,

g. a first fastener device mounted on the underside of the cover, and

h. a second fastener device mounted on the inside of the frame andcooperable with said first fastener device to secure the cover to theframe in closed position thereover,

i. inner areas of the outwardly extended flange of the frame beingformed with a narrow, elongate upwardly displaced portion comprising araised bead of lesser height that the channel section of the frame andconstituting a wind and rain deflector tending to shield the bottom edgeof the cover flange and to divert horizontally directed wind and ramacross the top of the cover, the outer periphery of said flange lying ina flat horizontal plane disposed below the level of said raised bead.

2. A hatch as in claim 1, and further including:

a. a gasket disposed under the said inner areas of the outwardlyextended flange of the frame, and

b. fastening means provided at the outer marginal areas of the flange ofthe frame, for securing the frame to the panel-like structure.

3. A hatch as in claim 2, wherein:

a. the outwardly-extended flange of the frame has a sectioncharacterized by reverse bends providing rounded bead surfaces at thetop and bottom surfaces of the flange,

b. said gasket being disposed below the bead surface at the bottom ofthe flange.

1. A hatch for attachment to a panel-like structure in which there is anopening, comprising in combination: a. a continuous frame having achannel section, and having an outwardly extended horizontal flangeadapted to overlie marginal portions of the panel-like structure whichborder the opening thereof, b. said frame including a continuousdepending skirt disposed along its inner sides and adapted to extendinto the opening of said structure, c. a crowned cover spanning the areaof the frame, d. said cover including a marginal depending flangeextending around the exterior of the channel section of the frame, e.hinge means securing said flange to the outwardly-extended flange of theframe, f. a pair of adjustable telescopic two-part struts secured toopposite portions of the depending skirt of the frame and tospaced-apart portions of the cover to support the latter in differentraised positions on the frame, g. a first fastener device mounted on theunderside of the cover, and h. a second fastener device mounted on theinside of the frame and cooperable with said first fastener device tosecure the cover to the frame in closed position thereover, i. innerareas of the outwardly extended flange of the frame being formed with anarrow, elongate upwardly displaced portion comprising a raised bead oflesser height that the channel section of the frame and constituting awind and rain deflector tending to shield the bottom edge of the coverflange and to divert horizontally directed wind and rain across the topof the cover, the outer periphery of said flange lying in a flathorizontal plane disposed below the level of said raised bead.
 2. Ahatch as in claim 1, and further including: a. a gasket disposed underthe said inner areas of the outwardly extended flange of the frame, andb. fastening means provided at the outer marginal areas of the flange ofthe frame, for securing the frame to the panel-like structure.
 3. Ahatch as in claim 2, wherein: a. the outwardly-extended flange of theframe has a section characterized by reverse bends providing roundedbead surfaces at the top and bottom surfaces of the flange, b. saidgasket being disposed below the bead surface at the bottom of theflange.